24 April 2006

Farmers in Fenland are being reminded that there are less than three weeks (15 May) until new regulations about the disposal of agricultural waste come into effect.

The Rural Division of property consultancy, Carter Jonas, is reminding all those involved in the agricultural industry of the changes which will govern the way that ‘farm dump’ - such as slurry, building waste, animal medicines o or feed products, hazardous or machinery waste – can be legally disposed of after 15 May. The new regulations are specific to waste from agricultural industries. While some elements of farm waste such as cardboard or plastic packaging may appear to be the same as domestic, residential waste, the new, stricter regulations mean that the ad-hoc burning, burial or burying or dumping on a site on the farm of any waste from farming is no longer permitted.

Instead, farmers must dispose of all farm waste in a controlled and regulated way by means of one or a combination of ways. Options for farmers include the removal and disposal at a licensed site or hiring a licensed waste contractor to remove the farm dump, or even applying to the Environment Agency for a licence to handle and store specific types of waste in an appropriate location on the farm.

Harry Baines (pictured), an associate in the Rural Division of Carter Jonas, said: ‘Like most industries, the agricultural process produces a range of waste products – some more harmful than others. Traditionally, farmers have used common sense and stored or disposed of waste responsibly and with a duty of care. But next month (May), this duty of care becomes compulsory and after twelve months (May 2007), it will become enforceable. So we are reminding those involved in agriculture of the new regulations and urging them for the sake of their businesses to get clued-up and comply.’

For more information and details on the new regulations, definitions of waste and options for removal and disposal see the website of the Environment Agency - www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business

All press enquiries to:
Elaine Mitchell 01954 780209/07715 749412 or email elainemprplus@btinternet.com

Notes to editor:

Carter Jonas’s Rural Asset Management team has expertise in farm agency, joint ventures, diversification, strategic and estate planning. The team is based in Northampton and Peterborough. Contact the team in Northampton tel 01604 619282 or in Peterborough tel 01733 588620.

Harry Baines specialises in rural and urban fringe property management and associated professional and agency work, including land and property purchases. He has family farming interests in Rutland.

Established in 1855, Carter Jonas is a national firm of property consultants with 17 offices in England and Wales. www.carterjonas.co.uk